A golf club has turned wayward drives into donations with an innovative scheme to raise money for charity.

Maldon Golf Club put a rule in place that if the ball lands in a bunker, members should donate to the NHS Mid Essex Hospital Trust.

In the first year, the club has raised a whopping £1,317.

President Jim Marling and senior members Tony Broom and Eric Bane visited the children’s wards to deliver the cheque as well as sweets, biscuits and books to grateful staff and patients.

Mr Marling said: “We’re glad we could help. I always tell our members that one day it could be their grandchildren that need treatment.

“We always get a great response and although nobody likes being in the bunkers, everyone is more than happy to donate to such a good cause.”

The club’s senior section nominated the good cause as their charity of the year and the relationship is set to continue for next year.

Children’s ward play specialist Sue Hursit said: “Donations like this definitely enhance recovery.

“They make the wards much happier places for patients and their families.

“The children can get bored quickly and many of them have long waits during treatment, so if we can keep them happy, this means happier families and happier staff.”